Five Things We Didn't Know Could Be 3D Printed

The reality of the matter is if you're reading this, you probably know a fair bit about 3D printing. However, if you don't, then here's a bit of information on the subject. You can also check out our previous blog on Five things you may not know about 3D Printing. 

Following the general public discovering nylon filament and FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) in the early 2000s, despite many thinking that it was around this era where 3D printing was created, it was back in 1984 where three Frenchmen, namely Jean-Claude André, Alain le Méhauté and Olivier de Witte registered the first patent for this technology.

Since then much has changed, and 3D printing has earned its place as a crucial technology across a range of industries.

Let's get into the five things we didn't know could be 3D Printed. 

1. Costumes For Film & TV

Before 3D printing was widely available, the superhero and monster outfits you'd see on the big screen needed meticulous handcrafting.

Thanks to a hybridised approach of effect making enhanced by digital workflow, bringing ideas to life by using additive manufacturing has reduced lead times hugely. 

Check out the photo below, which shows a 3D printed version of the Demogorgon from Stranger Things.

2. Forensics

In probably the coolest use of additive manufacturing in this list, 3D modelling can help recreate forensic evidence. This is becoming more and more useful in court scenarios.

The technology creates 3D replicas of bones and has proven more effective than simply referring to photos. 

The use of additive manufacturing in forensics also stretches to recreating footprints and crime scenes. 

3. Bikes For Olympians

Believe it or not, Team GB's bikes at Tokyo 2020 were partly comprised of 3D printed materials.

The Lotus x Hope HBT carbon bike utilises the technology. It worked too, with the 7.5kg bike helping the team to a silver medal.

However, things don't always go to plan...

Did you hear about the rider at the Olympics who crashed due to his handlebar snapping off? 

During Australia's team pursuit challenge, Alex Potters slid off his bike after the 3D printed titanium base bar and stem snapped.

Luckily, the team got to restart and ended up leaving Tokyo with a bronze medal. 

4. Pizza

Yep, you saw that correctly, 3D printed pizza. 

The Foodini, designed by Natural Machines, aims to manage the time-consuming parts of handmade food preparation that often discourage people from cooking at home, like rolling pasta dough, filling individual ravioli, and crafting cookie silhouettes. 

3D printed food is still in its infancy and has a long way to go before seeing a broader adoption from professionals and consumers, hence why the cost of a Foodini is £1400.

How appealing does this look to you?

5. Tortoise Shell

Finishing on the most heart-warming use for a 3D printer, here. 

Freddy the tortoise was found on a roadside in Brazil. He'd suffered some pretty bad burns from bush fires in Brazil which had resulted in the majority of his shell being burnt off.

3D designers took photos of Freddy and a healthy tortoise, they then used computer programming to design a custom prosthetic shell that was printed, layer by layer,

After the shell was printed, it was surgically attached to the reptile. Here's the finished result. Sensational.